Tasty Treats

Tasty Treats Gaylen’s Written by Dawn Geertsema Gourmet & Photos by Alana Snyder Popcorn

For almost 30 years, Gaylen Backus has been raising popcorn on his farm. After selling the product wholesale for some time, Gaylen’s Gourmet Popcorn took to making Caramel popcorn treats into the family’s home kitchen in Wentworth.

“Gaylen has always had a farm. He originally had crops and livestock,” said Tyler, Gaylen’s son and business manager. “Then he was looking for the next big thing. He did some research on popcorn and realized he could capitalize on it. Most of the motivation comes from Dad wanting to try new things.”

The company soon outgrew the kitchen and moved into the garage. Now visit the new Gaylen’s Gourmet Popcorn storefront and production space in Madison.

FACT

Gaylen’s pops three or more 50-pound bags of popcorn each week.

“We usually have about 25-30 flavors on hand. If you count all of the seasonal flavors and promotional ones we’ve done, we probably have about 50 flavors in our book that we bring in and out, or some that are ready for release some other time,” said Tyler.

At any given point in time, there are typically a few more sweet options than savory, Tyler says.

“Definitely our Caramel is one of the most popular because it’s one of the old-fashioned, homemade recipes we’ve got under our belts,” said Tyler.

Caramel Chocolate Drizzle follows close behind.

“When we get to the fun flavors, Cherry Chocolate Drizzle and Birthday Cake are very popular, as well as Bacon & Cheese,” said Tyler.

Another savory classic is the Cheddar Trio, which has a mix of three cheeses. For something a little different, try Dill Pickle, Cheddar Pretzel Ale, and Buffalo Ranch.

“The subscription boxes are fun because that allows us to put out something new we’re working on or experimenting with & have not released.” Tyler Backus

Hard to choose what flavor to order? Sign up for the Monthly Popcorn Box, which comes with four randomly selected flavors that arrive right to your doorstep. Flavors could be new, seasonal, or exclusive.

Tyler says some people sign their loved ones up for a subscription box over a few months so they have treats coming to their door as their gift—especially during the holiday season.

Popcorn can be a great gift for anyone, hence Gaylen’s is at their busiest during the holidays with online orders, subscriptions, and more.

“We'll have about 20 orders a day through our online store,” explained Tyler. “Hopefully this year we’ll be able to do more than we ever have before.”

And for those who like to handpick the gift from the store and ship it, they can handle the shipping hassle right in store.

Promotional Popcorn

Gaylen’s will work with businesses, events, and more to create specialty popcorn flavors. "605 Magazine" worked with the company to develop a flavor that’s always in stock at the office: Chislic Pizza.

“We handle the shipping right here in store. They’ll pick out the flavors while they’re shopping, we’ll package it in a box, and then we’ll ship it to wherever they want us to.” Tyler Backus

Consider including Gaylen’s Popcorn for other big events or organizations too.

“We always love working with people and being part of events,” said Tyler. “We have people that come in whether it’s gender reveals with a specific color popcorn or businesses handing out samples with their logo on it.”

Gaylen's will work with clients on their big day, graduations, and more.

“For weddings, people will get promotional bags or bulk popcorn for a popcorn bar,” said Tyler. “If someone calls us with an idea, we try to do something to be a part of their event or promotion.”

FACT

Some new Midwest product additions to the shop include

Dimock Cheese

and Muddy Bites.

In a new building, the business is constantly growing and changing.

“With the expansion here in Madison, we’re wanting to offer a fun environment,” said Tyler. “We just started to expand to be a candy store as well to go with the popcorn. We’re slowly adding more South Dakota and Midwest products, too. We’re really wanting to be a stop that you have to hit in town.”

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT GAYLENSPOPCORN.COM.+

Many suffer from the inconveniences of unclear vision. Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism, you know the struggle of dry contacts, damaged glasses and the always-real risk of forgetting one or both on a trip out of town.

If you’re tired of these struggles, there’s a solution in Sioux Falls: LASIK at Sanford Health.

What are some common vision problems and why do they occur?

Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are three of the most common vision dysfunctions.

One of two things occur in nearsightedness and farsightedness: either the eye is longer (nearsighted) or shorter (farsighted) than normal, or the cornea is more curved (near) or flatter (far) than normal. With astigmatism, the cornea has a misshapen curve.

These small deformities result in refractive errors, where light entering the eye is not bent and focused properly onto the back of the eye. The scattered light hits the retina inaccurately, causing blurred vision.

What is LASIK?

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a procedure that uses lasers to reshape the cornea, correcting refractive errors and blurred vision. It’s a common alternative to glasses and contact lenses.

What can I expect from LASIK?

LASIK is quick and safe with minimal discomfort. Surgeons administer eye-numbing drops as well as a mild sedative to help you relax, and the procedure is done in under 30 minutes. Patients go home the day of the surgery and typically recover within 24-48 hours. Your vision should improve within a few days and will continue getting better as your eyes heal. At Sanford Health, Andrew Ollerton, MD, follows up with his patients one day, one week, one month and three months after surgery to ensure their vision is improving.

Why should I choose Sanford Health for LASIK?

Sanford Health is a proven leader in delivering quality care. If you’re interested in LASIK, you’ll meet with Dr. Ollerton for a free consultation at Sanford Eye Center & Optical in Sioux Falls.

This appointment includes an eye exam, measurements, a review of your medical history and a discussion about your goals and concerns related to your eyesight and LASIK in particular. It’s also a chance to get to know Dr. Ollerton, who will perform the surgery.

Because LASIK is considered an elective procedure, your insurance may not cover the full cost. Luckily, Sanford Health offers the surgery at a highly competitive price: $4,000 for both eyes.

See the difference with LASIK at Sanford Health. Call (605) 328-9200 or visit sanfordhealth.org to schedule your free consultation.